When is physiotherapy recommended for non-specific low back pain?

Non-specific low back pain means the pain cannot be assigned to one clear structural cause after clinical assessment. It can be influenced by irritated tissues, reduced conditioning, sleep, stress, movement habits and work demands. A physiotherapist checks movement, strength, nerve-related features and activities that aggravate symptoms. The aim is to improve function and confidence while avoiding unnecessary fear of ordinary movement. The plan may change as symptoms settle or as a different cause becomes more apparent.

A programme may include advice on staying active, comfortable mobility, trunk and hip strengthening, lifting practice and gradual exposure to activities you have been avoiding. Short, regular movement is often easier to manage than long periods in one position. Use symptom response to guide progression: mild discomfort may be acceptable, but stop and seek advice if exercise causes new weakness, spreading numbness or a marked deterioration. Medication decisions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, or worsening weakness in both legs. Prompt assessment is also needed with fever, unexplained weight loss, significant trauma, a history of cancer, or severe pain that is constant and worsening. A clinician should reassess pain that is not improving or is changing in character.

Ask which activities you can continue, which exercises fit your current symptoms, how to pace work or lifting, and what changes should trigger review. Ask how progress will be judged beyond pain, such as walking tolerance, sleep or daily function.